The next morning, Anton woke up to someone pounding on his door. It took him a moment to remember where he was, only because the setting was so similar to something he’d find on Earth. Of course, the hotel room he was in didn’t have a television, but there was a cooler cabinet that acted like a refrigerator to keep items chilled. Also, the temperature in the room was comfortable. All courtesy of magic, he was sure.
The pounding on the door repeated, and Anton called out, “Just a minute, as he stood from the bed, opened his inventory, and changed out of his clothes. Damn, his Inventory was small. He then remembered something. He was supposed to respawn with clothes on, yet he hadn’t. He quickly looked through his Status Screen and found the tab, which must have been wiped during the iteration reset. There was even a helpful note that stated, “Only Nonmagical clothing may be assigned to this tab.”
Anton quickly designated his last pair of jeans, his tan t-shirt, socks, underwear, and sneakers into the tab for clothes that would respawn within him. Next, he opened his Portable Exchange and was surprised to find all of the shards he acquired from the goblins, centipedes, and the giant beetle. There were 1,503 shards, but there were no cores.
Anton quickly compared his notifications with the numbers he was seeing and noted that, no, he did not get any shards from the goblins that had been killed by the fireball he let off in the dungeon. Yeah, he was definitely going to NOT do that again until he could survive the explosion of his fireball, which was a long ways off.
“Anton, I know you’re in there! Open the Door!”
Damn, whoever it was, was persistent, “Okay, I’m coming. Hold on!”
Anton stood and walked over to the door. He opened it to see Galvin Drungearson, the knight he’d met yesterday, and two guards standing in the hallway, “Yes,” Anton said in a pleasant tone.
“Yes? You just run off and ignore my command, and all you have to say for yourself is yes?”
Anton held up a finger, “One sec. Did you get to talk with Drascal or any of the City Guards before coming here?” Galvin was about to respond, but Anton continued, “If you’re standing in front of the door to my room, I will take that as a yes. Did, by chance, the guards inform you of how the monsters that attacked the city yesterday died? More specifically, how quickly I,” Anton emphasized the word 'I', “dealt with the thirteen centipedes and the Giant Beetle.”
Silence filled the hallway as Galvin considered his words, and the guards with him looked uneasy. Before the silence could grow too awkward, Anton waved his hand as if waving away any issues that might be building and said, “You know what, it doesn’t matter. I’m hungry. Would you three like to join me for breakfast in the Tavern next door, My treat?”
Galvin Drungearson looked thoughtful and then nodded, “We just arrived after a long ride. The three of us could do with a meal.”
“Awesome, let's go,” Anton said as he stepped out of the room and led them downstairs, out the side of the building, and into the Tavern. As they stepped through the door, the bartender and owner, Marvin, was busy cleaning tables. When he recognized Anton, he called out, “Morning, Anton. Didn’t you just leave?”
“I did, now I’m back. You do serve breakfast, don’t you?”
“Of course, we do,” Marvin agreed.
Anton smiled, “Could you feed the four of us, just put it on my tab.
“Not an issue, Anton. There’s more than enough left from your deposit last night. Consider breakfast for all four of you paid for. Also, I’ll cover your morning meals for the next week. I wouldn’t feel proper keeping as much money as you gave me last night without at least offering to feed you once a day for a week.”
“If you’re sure?” Anton asked with a smile.
“I’m sure,” Marvin said as he turned toward the back and called out, “Daisy, please bring four glasses and a jug of juice and water out to Anton and his friends.” Then he turned back to Anton and led them over to a round table with four wooden chairs where the three armored men could sit comfortably. As the four sat, Marvin continued, “It’ll be a minute for the food, but I’ll have it out as soon as it’s ready.
“Thanks, Marvin,” Anton said as they shook hands, and Marvin went back to clean the Tavern.
“Looks like you made a friend last night,” Galvin observed.
“I did. I made a lot of friends last night. After the ‘day’ that I had before I arrived here, I needed to let off a little steam, so I bought meals and drinks for everyone and had a little bit of fun learning about Terra, Bensen, and what’s been going on in this area of Empire, at least the common gossip.” Anton explained. Galvin looked thoughtful before he said, “Meals and drinks for everyone? Some of the prices in this Tavern are extremely expensive. A gold piece is not an uncommon price. Wait, you said that as if you didn’t know you were in an Empire to begin with,” Galvin said questioningly.
“Caught that, did you? Yeah, I’m not from around here. As for the cost of the meals and drinks, money isn’t an issue right now.”
“I guess not. Before we continue, I should introduce my companions,” Galvin said, motioning to the guard on his right. “This is Derrick,” he said before nodding to his left, “and that is Sameale.”
“Nice to meet you, Derrick and Sameale. Now, Galvin, why did you rush back to Benson to talk to me? Alifax should have been clear, and it’ll be at least nine days before the Labyrinth entrance opens.”
“The simple answer is you were not completely honest with me yesterday, and I wanted to make sure you weren’t a danger to those under my charge here in Bensen.”
“I’m only a danger to those who attack me,” Anton said as Daisy set four glasses in front of the men and placed water and juice jugs on the table. Anton motioned for the guards to go first.
“Be that as it may, I have questions?”
Anton smiled. “You can ask, but I make no promise to answer them, but I won’t lie.”
Galvin looked perplexed, but visibly held back what he was going to say and instead said, “Fair enough. First question, did you kill the Goblins in that Dungeon?”
Anton considered how to answer the question and then said, “Technically, yes.”
“And you really do not possess a class?”
“I do not.”
“Then how are you so powerful?” Galvin asked
Anton pulled up his Titles and pushed his “Really Freaking Old” title to the three men at the table. He watched as their eyes became unfocused and they read the notification they’d just received.
Really Freaking Old - Awarded during Conversion from 9th to 10 Iteration. 10% of your attributes at the end of the 9th Iteration are awarded by this title as a bonus.
“Iteration? I’ve only heard that term once, when I was in school, during one of my Ancient History studies. An order that worships dragons had this notion that the universe went through cycles called iterations when everything was started anew. You can’t be that old?” Galvin said.
“First, here’s your confirmation that it’s more than a theory. Second, technically, I’m not. I was placed in stasis and came to on this world in a grassy field yesterday.”
“But if you’re from before, you should have a class or classes.”
“Nope, except for the bonuses awarded by the title I shared with you, the SYSTEM started me over.
“And you just woke up,” Sameale asked.
“I did,”
“But this world has thousands and thousands of years of history. If you are from the time before, why didn’t you wake up before now?”
“I have no idea. Maybe the ambient magic wasn’t high enough. Perhaps a certain density of creatures and people needed to exist first. I have no idea. I have a hazy recollection of something happening, but I can’t focus on it. I do have another title that states the SYSTEM will let me know how to help it, when it needs help. Maybe the SYSTEM didn’t need me before now?” Anton said consideringly.
Just then, Daisy returned with four plates of food: eggs, bacon, toast with a dab of jelly. Each plate was loaded with food.
“Thanks, Daisy,” Anton said.
“Yes, thank you,” Galvin, Sameale, and Derrick said in unison.
The four dug in and ate for the next 10 minutes without saying a word. As they sat back to relax and let their food settle, Anton asked, “Do you have any more questions?”
Galvin nodded, “First, though, thanks for Breakfast. We ate a bit of jerky before heading out this morning. This really was kind of you, especially since an officious prick is trying to ask you a lot of questions.”
“Damn, an officious prick with a sense of humor, who would’ve Thunk it,” Anton said.
“Seriously, though, if you’re new to the Empire, then you probably don’t know the laws, and if you don’t know the laws, it won’t be long before you run afoul of the guards.”
“Like you?”
Galvin laughed, which was joined by Derrick and Sameale, “Not like me, I’m one of the nice ones.”
“He really is,” Derrick added.
“So that you know, I’m not worried about the mean ones,” Anton said.
“Be that as it may, I’m satisfied that you’re not an immediate threat to Bensen or the Empire. So that others don’t get the wrong idea about you, though, I would suggest you rank up and choose a class soon. Some with ill intentions will think you’re an easy target,” Galvin said.
“Where I’m from, the consequences of such actions would be referred to as Darwinism.” When the three guards looked at Anton with confused expressions, he explained, “The idea that the strong prevail or Might makes right.”
“Ah, yes, a concept the Empire thoroughly promotes and endorses,” Galvin said.
“Well then, sounds like I need to make a name for myself. By the way, do you know where I can purchase more shards, since you’re from here?”
Galvin smiled, “Bensen has three markets. You’ll find shards in the market vendors who sell magical items and gear. Just look for shop signs with wands or orbs on them. Others will sell magical items specific to their primary wares but normally do not carry shards or cores.”
“Thank you for the info,” Anton said.
“While I’m not happy with the way you departed yesterday, or getting up early this morning to ride back here at speed I will thank you for helping to protect Bensen and hope that you will continue to help the Empire as you can,” Galvin said as he stood and held out his hand.
Anton stood and shook Galvin's hand, and then Derrick and Sameale’s hands as well. “I make no promises, as I might not be here after the Labyrinth opens, but while I’m in the area, I will try to help as I can.”
“That’s all I can hope for. With that, men, let's leave Anton to his business; we have a much more leisurely ride back to Alifax.”
“If you’re still there in nine days, I’ll stop by then,” Anton said.
“I will probably see you there, then,” Galvin called out as they left the Tavern.
Anton sat down as Daisy came over and took the plates. He had another glass of juice before he stood and prepared to walk out, as Marvin walked over.
“Did you enjoy your meal?” Marvin asked.
“I did, thank you,” Anton said.
“Not that, I was listening closely, but if you’re looking for the closest market, just turn right when you go out the door, fifty feet down the street is a crossroad. The market is in a square across the street on your right. It’s almost noon, so most of the vendors and stalls should be open…though.”
“Though?” Anton repeated.
“Though, you might consider freshening up a bit before you go out.”
“That bad, huh?”
“The only reason nobody said anything was because one, no one is here but me, Daisy and the Cook
“And the second reason?” Anton asked.
Marvin smiled, “Those fellows in armor didn’t smell much better.”
“Marvin, never let it be said that you were dishonest to a customer.”
They both laughed as Anton made his way out of the Tavern and back up to his room. Inside, he went into the bathroom and found a tub with three runes on it. He touched each rune and was surprised when water started to coalesce in the air above the end of the tube opposite the runes and poured into the tub. After a few moments, he realized that he could adjust the temperature of the water by tapping the left or right rune. The middle rune started and ended the process at whatever temperature the water was at when it was turned off.
Unfortunately, the water appeared just above the lip of the tub, so it couldn’t be used as a shower, though he could probably wash his feet with it. Regardless, Anton filled the tub, stopped the water, and took a very quick bath. When he was done, he dried off with a towel and dressed in the clothes he had. He was going to need to pick up some different clothes, and if possible, find someone who could teach him how to clean his clothes with magic. He couldn’t use magic, but he was pretty sure he could learn spells from spell crystals. Especially since the master rank spells he currently had were off limits, unless he wanted to kill himself again, of course.
Once dressed, he left his room and walked downstairs. He quickly paid to keep his room for another night and then left the hotel. Once outside, he turned to the right and walked past Marvin’s Tavern. Very soon, he came to the crossroad Marvin had mentioned. Unlike a modern-day city, the only vehicles he could see were wagons, drawn by horses. Here and there, he did see some people flying, but for the most part, everyone seemed to be walking to get to and from places. He also saw Guard patrols walking around here and there.
One thing did catch his eye, though. Some of the people walking around had collars around their necks. Was there slavery of some type here, or were they prisoners serving a sentence? They weren’t dressed as prisoners, nor were they dressed as servants. For the most part, they had the same type of clothes as everyone else, maybe a little cheaper. If he didn’t learn what their deal was during the day, he’d ask Marvin when he stopped by for dinner.
As he made his way into the street market, which did have stores here and there, the first thing he noticed was a stall that looked like it was selling casual shirts and comfortable-looking pants. A quick stop and 200 credits purchased 10 shirts and 10 sets of pants. The Vendor had a storage device and a large assortment, nothing he’d wear into combat, but clothes he could walk around casually in. He made sure to place everything within his Portable Exchange because the one-foot area of his normal Inventory skill wasn’t going to be able to hold much.
The next shop he visited was a simple equipment shop where he picked up some camping gear, canteens, and emergency rations. He made sure to get 63 Canteens, each filled with water. He also picked up 31.5 pounds of jerky, which should give him one eight-ounce piece of jerky three times a day for 21 days. The canteens cost 10 credits each, but the jerky was only a single credit for 8 ounces: 63 credits total.
The next place he stopped at was a footwear store. He picked up ten pairs of sandals for five credits each. While they didn’t have sneakers, they had some very comfortable leather boots, which he picked up for 100 Credits. He also picked up 10 more sets of generic leather boots for 50 credits each. It seemed boots were a bit expensive.
As he was moving away from the shoe store, a sign with an open book on it caught his attention: “Rachelle’s Spell Emporium.” Anton walked over to the building and into what looked to him like a new age crystal shop and library. On the main floor, there were locked glass cases with labeled crystals inside. Off to one side, a stairway led up to the second floor, where shelves of books could be seen.
“Welcome to Rachelle’s Spell Emporium. I’m Rachelle. How can I help you today?”
“I’m looking to learn some spells and was wondering what kind you had?”
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“Well, you came to the right place, that’s for sure,” Rachelle said with an enthusiastic smile. “If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of spells are you looking for, and what kind of budget do you have?”
“My budget, what could I get for one million credits? Of course, that’s not my limit. As for what type of spells am I looking for, what do you mean?”
Rachelle's voice reminded Anton of one of his professors back in college: “As you may or may not know, Spells are categorized in two ways. They’re categorized by the sphere of magic they utilize, or they’re categorized by their functionality. Spells categorized by their sphere of magic are further categorized by the type of magic, which are Basic, Intrinsic, Higher, Supernatural, and Fundamental.”
Anton thought he’d heard or seen this before. Still, he focused on what Rachelle was saying just in case there was something he’d missed before.\
Rachelle continued, “The Basic spheres of magic are Air, Life, Water, Dark, Earth, Death, Fire, and Light. The intrinsic spheres of magic are Space, Time, and Gravity. The Higher spheres of Magic are Mental, Spirit, and Soul. The last two categories are Supernatural and Fundamental?”
“Supernatural Spheres of Magic include Putrescent, Void, Proper, Absolute, and Divine. Putrescent is the magic of entropy and decay and could be considered the most evil of all the spheres.. The Void consists of spells that embrace Nothing or the opposite of everything. It’s not a truly evil sphere except that it calls for the destruction of all others. The Proper sphere is what could be considered the Sphere of Creation. The Absolute contains those spells that are considered Good or Heavenly magic. Finally, the divine sphere of magic is a sphere that combines all the spheres of magic, including the fundamental spheres of order and chaos.”
That’s a lot to take in.”
“It is. Also, remember that’s just one way to categorize the spells. The second way is by function. The Functional categories are Alteration, Conjuration, Summoning, Enchantment, Divination, Illusion, Invocation, Evocation, and Necromancy.”
“Seriously, let me guess each of those categories is defined as follows:
Alteration – Spells that modify the physical or biological aspect of something.
Conjuration – Spells that create things.
Summoning – Spells that summon creatures and monsters.
Enchantment – Spells that affect the minds of others.
Divination – Spells that either draw information from the future or other entities.
Illusion – Spells that create false images or remove evidence of something.
Invocation – Spells that call on supernatural forces and probably includes runes.
Evocation – Spells that create specific magical effects, probably focused on the sphere of magic.
Necromancy – Spells that raise or affect the dead to include their souls.”
Rachelle thought about what Anton said and smiled, “That’s not exactly how a magical college would define those categories, but it’s close enough. You seem to know a bit about magic, then?”
“In passing, just some stuff I read a long time ago,” Anton said as he thought about the tabletop game he was pulling that information from. “So, the spell crystals you have here are all common spells. Then what are the books upstairs?”
“The books are another form of spell transfer device. Some people have skills that allow them to create crystals that will impart a spell onto someone. However, another way to transfer spells is to inscribe them in a book. A Caster who wishes to learn the spelling can take the book, or books, and then learn the spelling from it. The difference is that it is a lot easier to inscribe higher-ranked spells into books. It’s a lot easier to procure the materials needed to do so. You know, I notice that you do not have a class yet. If you choose a caster class, some bonuses will allow you to get more skill slots if you're lucky.”
I’m not worried, right now, without a class, I have 507 unused Skill Slots
Rachelle coughed and attempted to clear her throat. When she could speak again, she asked, “Did you say 507 Skill Slots?”
“I did.”
“And you have over one million credits available.”
“I do?”
“Okay, even without a class, I think I can help you. What kind of spells are you looking for?” Rachelle asked.
“I need some functional spells. Spells that will help me if I’m in the middle of nowhere. To begin with, I’d like a spell that creates food and water, or two spells, one for each. I also need a spell that cleans my clothes, washing sucks. Are there spells that create clothes? A spell that identifies magical items. A Flight spell, possibly”
“Okay, well, the Spell Crystals for the Common Spells I have are 1,500 credits each. Discounts are available to certain Guild members, but as you don’t have a class, I’m pretty sure you’re not in a Guild, so the flat cost of 1,500 credits per spell stands. As for what spells you're requesting, here’s a short list of spells that I think you’d want. There are more, but these are the spells that fit your request, “ Rachelle said as she pushed the information onto a SYSTEM screen that appeared in the air between them.
Anton looked over the list and nodded as he paid Rachelle, who placed fourteen spell crystals in front of him. He picked up the crystals, placed them one after the other against his head, and absorbed the spells. As the spell was absorbed and converted by his ability Master of Magic, it crumbled to dust.
When he was done, he dismissed the congratulations notifications and quickly looked over his new spells, which had automatically converted to their Psychic Energy version. His ability, Master of Magic, really was handy.
Create Boots
Rank: Common
Required Materials: Equivalent Physical Material to Transmute
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Duration: Instant
Create a nondescript pair of leather boots up to 10 pounds in weight. The boots can be any color that the caster desires, but the style of the boots never changes.
Create Fire
Rank: Common
Required Materials: None
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost: 10 plus 1 mana per turn maintained.
Upon casting this spell, you can create a small flame at the target location. The flame cannot be moved and only lasts as long as the spell is maintained. Any material set on fire does not add to or help maintain this spell.
Create Food
Rank: Common
Required Materials: Equivalent Physical Material to Transmute
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Requirements: One pound of Physical material.
Converts one pound of nonorganic material into one pound of food that you desire within 10 feet of the caster. Ingredients are made with mana but will provide sustenance. As to what food can be created. Any typical food that the caster desires. Note: This spell can be utilized to return food to a pristine state if it has gone rotten or soured. This Spell can be used on liquids as well.
Create Pants
Rank: Common
Required Materials: Equivalent Physical Material to Transmute
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Duration: Instant
Create a nondescript set up pants of any size up to 10 pounds in weight. The pants can be any color that the caster desires, but the pant style never changes.
Create Shirt
Rank: Common
Required Materials: Equivalent Physical Material to Transmute
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Duration: Instant
Create a nondescript Shirt of any size up to 10 pounds in weight. The shirt can be any color that the caster desires, but the shirt style never changes.
Create Water
Rank: Common
Required Materials: Equivalent Physical Material to Transmute
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Requirement: A container that can hold up to one gallon of liquid is recommended but not required. If desired, liquid can be created in midair.
Summons one gallon of water from the Elemental plane of air that will appear as desired within 10 feet of the caster. Only water may be summoned with this spell.
Create Item
Rank: Common
Required Materials: Equivalent Physical Material to Transmute
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost: 10 per pound of material created. Maximum Size: 10 pounds
Upon casting this spell, you can create any basic nonmagical, nonmechanical, nontechnological item made with natural products.
Basic weapons, like swords, hammers, bows: Yes.
Guns, Beam Weapons, and Magical weapons: No.
This spell is very useful when creating simple tools and items
Detect Magic
Rank: Common
Required Materials: None
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Duration. Instant
When Detect Magic is cast, any magical item, object, or active spell within range and eyesight will glow for one turn. This spell does not determine what type of spell or effect is active, just that there is magic present.
Flight
Rank: Common
Required Materials: None
Range: Self
Psychic Energy Cost: 10 per turn
Duration: Sustained
This spell allows the caster to fly at a moment rate of one foot per second (.68 Miles Per Hour) with minimal concentration.
It should be noted that this version of flight will not reduce the falling speed quickly enough to arrest someone falling. Use care when activating this spell to mitigate falling damage.
Freshen Up
Rank: Common
Required Materials: None
Range: Self
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Duration: Instant
This spell removes everything from the caster and places it in a pile five feet in front of the caster. This includes sweat and dirt.
Launder
Rank: Common
Required Materials: None
Range: Self
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Duration: Instant
This spell removes all organic and inorganic materials from clothing items in the area of effect.
Warning: If cast on a creature, this spell inflicts one point of damage as it aggressively scrubs the skin of the target. This Spell does not affect skeletons but will remove flesh from corpses or zombies.
Light
Rank: Common
Required Materials: None
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost:10
Duration: Instant
Create an orb of light within 10 feet. The Orb of light will generate illumination equivalent to a 100-watt light bulb. This orb of light will persist for one hour.
Magical Bolt
Rank: Common
Required Materials: None
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost:10
Duration: Instant
Create an Arcane bolt of energy that inflicts 6 points of damage on any target within 10 feet. The spell “Shield” will not block this attack. The spell “Armor” does reduce the damage of this attack. This spell does not miss its intended target.
Wizard Hands
Rank: Common
Required Materials: None
Range: 10 Feet
Psychic Energy Cost: 10
Upkeep: 1 PE per turn
Duration. While Maintained.
This spell creates a pair of invisible hands that act as if they were your regular hands. Control of the Wizard Hands is automatic. Wizard Hands act as another set of hands to the Wizard and will remain with the Wizard while they are maintained. Each hand can lift up to 25 pounds and can be utilized in combat, though doing so requires an action and an expenditure of stamina.
If used to strike an opponent, each strike will inflict one point of damage.
Anton closed his Spell Tab and looked to Rachelle, “These spells will work out just fine.”
Rachelle smiled, “Now, what about Spell Augments?” Rachelle asked.
“Augments?” Anton asked.
“Why yes, Augments can be added to any spell to increase their range or power. For instance, the Magical Bolt Spell you now have does six points of damage at Common Rank. If you add a Common Damage Augment, it will double the damage. The same spell has a range of 10 feet. If you add a Common Range Augment, it will double the range from ten feet to twenty feet.”
Anton nodded, “I can see how that would be useful, so what’s the catch? The spell will automatically improve when I upgrade to the next rank.”
Rachelle shook her head, “No, spells aren’t like skills. To rank up a spell, you have to find it and learn it at that rank. The catch, as it were, is that Augments each require one Skill Slot per rank of the augment and only modify the spell at that rank. What that means is that if you have Magical Bolt at Common Rank and a Common Rank Augment. You also have Magical Bolt at the Uncommon Rank. You’ll be able to cast the Common version for 10 mana, which will inflict 12 points of damage with the damage augment, or you’ll be able to cast the Uncommon Rank version for 100 mana, and it will do 100 points of damage. Also, each spell must have its own augment, so you’ll need to purchase multiple augments, one for each spell. They are a bit cheaper, though; they only cost 1,000 credits at Common rank because they’re much easier to make if you have the spell.
Anton thought about his new spells. As far as he could tell, only two spells would benefit from an augment. Magical Bolt could benefit from damage and range augments. Wizard Hands could benefit from a range augment as well, but… “Do you have an augment that will double the carrying capacity of Wizard Hands?”
“Of course,” Rachelle said with a smile, “That’s a Capacity Augment.” That Augment would be very useful for a couple of your new spells. It could double the amount of food, water, or items you create, as well as increase the weight Wizard Hands could lift.
Go ahead and give me 20 of each argument that you possess.”
Are you sure? I have Damage, Range, Capacity, and Area of Effect Augments. I should also mention that Area of Effect Augments are the one augment that increases the mana cost of the spell by doubling it.
” Yeah, that’s fine, if you have twenty of each, I’ll take them,” Anton said as he transferred 80,000 credits to Rachelle.
“You weren’t kidding about having credits to spend, were you?” Rachelle asked as she transferred the augments directly into Anton’s inventory.
“I was not.” Anton agreed. “Now that we have that out of the way, what’s up with the books upstairs?” Anton asked.
“The spells you’ve purchased so far are all Basic. Upstairs are the Intrinsic, Higher, Supernatural, and Fundamental. Additionally, the few Uncommon spells I’ve come across are up there as well,” Rachelle said.
“And how much do they cost?” Anton asked.
“Well, the Intrinsic spells are 15,000 Credits each. The Higher spells are 150,000 Credits, though I only have one spell in that category currently. I only have three Supernatural Spells. Those are 1,500,000 credits each. The Fundamental spell, which I only have one of, will sell for no less than 15 million credits.”
Anton whistled, “What Supernatural and Fundamental spells do you have?”
“Do you have the credits to afford them?” Rachelle asked.
“I do?” Anton said.
“Anyone can say that Rachelle said. I can believe you have one million credits; you’ve already spent 101,000. But to believe someone, without a class, has 19.5 million credits, which is what it would cost to buy those four spells…”
Anton interrupted her, “Are the spells for sale?”
“What?”
“Are the spells for sale?”
“Of course,”
“Do any of them have prerequisites that would prevent me from using them?”
“No?” Rachelle said questioningly.
“Okay then, I want them,” Anton said as he transferred 19.5 million credits to Rachelle.
“What! How?”
“The spells, please?” Anton said.
“Of course,” Rachelle said as she pulled four books and put them on the table in front of Anton.
Immediately, Anton stepped back as a feeling of dread radiated from the second book from the right.
“Rachelle, what type of spell is that?” Anton said as he pointed at the book that was giving him a feeling of dread.
“That one? That is the Positive Conduit spell. It opens a link to a Primal Plane that allows people to recover energy of all types much quicker.”
Anton froze as a line from his Anti-Mage Ability flittered through his mind, “NOTE: Attempting to break down structures created by the Proper Sphere of Magic will cause an extremely volatile reaction.” Anton was betting that trying to channel a spell from the Proper sphere of magic would be much more devastating.
“Rachelle, would you please put that spell book back in your inventory?” Rachelle touched the book, and it vanished. Anton sighed thankfully, “Thank you, I will not be purchasing that spell, I can’t utilize it. You can hold onto the credits for it for now. After we look at these three books, I still need to look at the spells categorized as Intrinsic and Higher. As you can see, I can afford them.
Rachelle smiled, “Yes, you can.”
